Alert Community Member is the Reason Well-Known Criminal behind Bars this Morning

Victoria BC – An alert community member is being credited for being the reason a well-known criminal is behind bars this morning.

Just before midnight last night, a 41-year-old Victoria man was home in his apartment in the 2500-block of Wark Street, when he heard a ‘pop’ coming from the area of the front lobby doors. Being the inquisitive type, the man looked out his door and saw a man and a woman he did not recognize. Upon questioning both of the individuals, they became irate and started swearing at him, leaving when he said he was calling the police.

The man did indeed call VicPD and left his apartment building to follow the pair at a distance in order to give updates to the incoming officers. As he followed, he heard a familiar ‘pop’ and noted the pair going into another building on the block.

He watched the building until patrol and K9 officers arrived, at which time they started to systematically search the building.

Once inside, Cst. McLeod and Police Service Dog Uno tracked to a storage locker under one of the stairwells. Although the door was closed, officers could hear someone moving inside. The suspect was made aware of the officers’ presence and came out of the locker and was arrested without incident.

The 44-year-old suspect matched the description given by the alert community member.

Based on evidence at the scene, officers believe that the ‘popping’ sound was the doors of the apartment buildings being forced.

The suspect, who is well-known to officers for property related crimes, was transported to VicPD headquarters and attend court this morning. Officers are recommending charges of break and enter (x2) and possession of break in instruments.